Rick Steves' Traveler's Must-Have Snack From Trader Joe's

The Art of Travel Packing: Essential Items for a Stress-Free Journey

Packing for a trip abroad is more than just filling a suitcase—it's an exercise in deliberate scarcity. To maintain the simple packing mindset that travel expert Rick Steves emphasizes, it's crucial to focus on what truly matters while staying practical. One of the most surprising items on his list is a sealable plastic bag, which serves multiple purposes during a journey.

Cameron Hewitt, Steves’ protégé and co-author, has compiled a list of his favorite travel essentials on his website. His selection focuses on items that are practical, useful, and light enough to justify their inclusion even if they aren’t needed. Among these is the organic dried mango from Trader Joe’s, an item that may seem unusual but holds significant value for travelers.

While it's possible to find similar dried mango slices in Europe, Hewitt’s recommendation goes beyond mere availability. He highlights the importance of preparing for the steps of the journey before even landing. "On an hours-long plane or train ride, junk food is tempting," he wrote. "But instead, I carry a couple of bags of Trader Joe's dehydrated, unsweetened 'Just Mango Slices.'" This snack is not only lightweight and healthy but also hearty enough to satisfy hunger after long flights or train rides. It might even be worth packing a few extra packages to use during transit between cities—something many travelers overlook.

The dehydrated nature of the mango slices ensures they can last for months when stored properly in their sealed packaging. This makes them an ideal choice for extended trips where access to fresh snacks may be limited.

Why Travelers Love Trader Joe’s Dried Mango

Most reviewers agree with Hewitt’s praise for Trader Joe’s dried mango. As of this writing, the product holds 4.6 stars on Influenster. One reviewer, Anuki V., noted that the mango slices are "a little on the dry side," but she appreciated the sealable package that allows for easy storage and preservation. This feature makes the snack particularly well-suited for travel, as it can be opened and resealed without losing quality.

According to the Trader Joe’s website, all the mangoes are peeled and sliced by hand before being naturally dried on racks. This traditional drying method may result in a drier texture than some expect, but others enjoy the chewy consistency and the absence of added sugar.

In addition to the regular dried mango slices, Trader Joe’s also offers a chile-seasoned version. This spicy twist has been praised by many, with Tasting Table calling it "Trader Joe's absolute best dried fruit." The combination of chile powder, salt, and citric acid adds a zesty kick that mirrors the flavors found in Mexican street vendors. However, it's worth noting that the seasoned option contains cane sugar, making it slightly higher in calories than the unsweetened version.

Practical Tips for Travelers

When planning a trip, it's important to consider not just the destination but also the journey itself. Snacks like Trader Joe’s dried mango can help keep energy levels up during long flights or train rides, reducing the temptation to rely on unhealthy options. Additionally, the convenience of sealed packaging means travelers can easily store and transport these snacks without worrying about spoilage.

For those looking to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips, subscribing to a free newsletter can provide access to the world's best-kept secrets. Whether it's through curated lists of must-pack items or insights from experienced travelers, there's always something new to learn.

By focusing on practical, versatile, and lightweight items, travelers can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable journey—both at their destination and along the way.